VENTNOR – Democrats running for the Atlantic County Board of County Commissioners in November want greater transparency over the county’s decision to repair instead of replace the Dorset Avenue bridge.
The bridge is owned by Atlantic County and connects Ventnor Heights to Ventnor on Absecon Island.
Democrat candidates Victoria Dolceamore, who is running at-large; Rev. Collin Days, who is running for District 1 commissioner; and Jonathan Marcellus, who is running in District 4, issued a joint statement Wednesday, calling for Atlantic County leadership to take immediate responsibility for repairing the historic bridge, which was built in 1923.
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said earlier this month that the county would not spend up to $100 million to replace the bridge but would continue to repair mechanical systems to keep it operational.
“We refuse to accept an undisclosed $85-$100 million estimate that lacks transparency and threatens taxpayers,” the candidates noted in their release.
They want “accountability, competitive pricing and a bridge that serves both motorists and boaters,” they said.
Levinson said the $100 million price tag to replace the historic structure comes from “everyone we talked to,” including local, state and federal authorities.
“We spent $12 million to replace a fixed bridge in Port Republic and it took two years,” Levinson said.
A 93-year-old drawbridge that connects Avon with Belmar in Monmouth County is slated for replacement in 2028 at a cost of $163 million.
Democrats said their “plan of action” includes issuing a request for proposals from at least three firms, pursuing state and federal grants, scheduling structural upgrades as part of the county’s ongoing capital plan, and delivering quarterly progress reports to keep the public informed.
“The current price tag, offered without any documented source or methodology, is not acceptable,” the candidates said. “By combining transparency and competitive bidding, we will ensure the Dorset Avenue bridge is restored and that Atlantic County’s taxpayers get the best value for their dollar.”
Ventnor Mayor Tim Kriebel called the bridge a “critical, urgent link” connecting two sections of the city and that it supports emergency services, businesses and visitors, who use Dorset Avenue to access their homes in the city proper.
Replacing the bridge would require it to be a longer and higher span that would affect area businesses and homes, and would likely close the road for several years, essentially cutting the city in half.
Although the bridge is currently in the down position, which restricts larger boats traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway, it allows motorists to travel freely between two sections of the city.
“The Ventnor City administration has been in continuous contact with Atlantic County regarding the bridge and its needed repairs. As we receive updates, we share them with our residents and visitors via our website, social media platforms, and, when necessary, through our Code Red emergency alert system. Given that this is our main access point on and off the island, we are committed to ensuring that the bridge operates consistently and safely,” Kriebel said in a statement.
Kriebel said the county has been in constant contact with the city regarding the “evolving” short-term plan to repair the bridge, which includes inspecting sub-marine wiring and procuring electrical components. Full mechanical and electrical system replacements are scheduled in the county’s 2026 capital plan.
“Contractors have been working on the bridge for several weeks, performing testing and inspecting the electrical control systems. Once this exploratory work is complete, the county will be able to finalize the repair scope,” Kriebel said.
Levinson said the county fought to get the U.S. Coast Guard to allow the bridge to remain in the closed position. Although smaller boats can pass freely under the bridge, larger boats can use Beach Thorofare or go out into the ocean to get around, he said.
“If it was in the open position, it would be much more inconvenient for motorists and over a two- or three-year period,” Levinson said.
He said the historic bridge is structurally sound, and that it is the mechanical systems that are not working properly.
“That’s what happens when saltwater meets steel,” Levinson said. “We have 190 bridges in the county and all of them have problems, but we continue being proactive to keep them repaired.”
Additionally, any repairs done to the bridge must meet historical standards.
“You can’t go into True Value or Ace Hardware and buy these parts,” he said. “We are doing whatever we can, so travel from Ventnor Heights to the island goes smoothly.”
Levinson said the county is also working to get the bridge looking more presentable by painting it.
“You just can’t sandblast it. We need to install nets below to catch the lead paint,” he said, noting the county is going out to bid for the painting project.
“The coast guard understands, the city of Ventnor understands, the county residents are satisfied, the only ones who are not are the Democrats running for office,” Levinson said.
Kriebel said the city and county are investigating a longer-term solution to get the Intracoastal Waterway relocated to Beach Thorofare, which would require input from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and South Jersey Transportation Authority. He said the city and county requested a meeting with Congressman Jeff Van Drew to request greater collaboration and funding opportunities.
“Our shared goal remains to restore the Dorset Avenue bridge to full function, for both road and marine traffic, while ensuring long-term access, safety, and fiscal responsibility,” Kriebel said.
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